Bagless dry cleaning kits and processes for dry cleaning

ABSTRACT

A process for dry cleaning fabrics comprising the steps of: (i) placing one or more fabrics to be cleaned in a device which provides heat and agitation; (ii) placing one or more carrier sheets in the device wherein the carrier sheets have 200 grams of a liquid cleaning/refreshment composition releasably absorbed therein; (iii) heating the air within the device to at least 130° F. (55° C.); and (iv) agitating the fabrics and the carrier sheets until at least 40% by weight of the liquid cleaning/refreshment composition from the carrier sheets has been evaporated and vented from the device. There is further provided a kit for dry cleaning fabrics comprising: one or more carrier sheets, and from 200 grams to 1,000 grams of a liquid cleaning/refreshment composition, wherein the one or more carrier sheets can absorb at least 200 grams of the liquid cleaning/refreshment compositions.

This application is a 371 of PCT/IB18/01282 Aug. 19, 1998 which claimsbenefit of 60/057,580 Aug. 27, 1997.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to bagless dry cleaning kits comprisingone or more carrier sheets and a liquid cleaning/refreshmentcomposition. Optionally, the kits comprise a stain removal compositionand an Absorbent Stain Receiving Article. The present invention furthercomprises processes for dry cleaning fabric articles and the like without the need for a containment bag.

Background of the Invention

By classical definition, the term “dry cleaning” has been used todescribe processes for cleaning textiles using nonaqueous solvents. Drycleaning is an old art, with solvent cleaning first being recorded inthe United Kingdom in the 1860's. Typically, dry cleaning processes areused with garments such as woolens which are subject to shrinkage inaqueous laundering baths, or which are judged to be too valuable or toodelicate to subject to aqueous laundering processes. Various hydrocarbonand halocarbon solvents have traditionally been used in immersion drycleaning processes, and the need to handle and reclaim such solvents hasmainly restricted the practice of conventional dry cleaning tocommercial establishments. In addition to the cleaning function, drycleaning also provides important “refreshment” benefits. For example,dry cleaning removes undesirable odors and extraneous matter such ashair and lint from garments, which are then generally folded or pressedto remove wrinkles and restore their original shape.

One type of home dry cleaning system comprises a carrier sheetcontaining various cleaning agents, and a plastic bag. The bag can beeither sealed such that it is substantially air tight or the bag can bevapor venting. The garments to be cleaned are sealed in the bag togetherwith the sheet, and then tumbled in a conventional clothes dryer. In acommercial embodiment, multiple single-use flat sheets and a singlemulti-use plastic bag are provided in a package. However, the bagrequires storage between uses and it can substantially increase the costof the dry cleaning kit. Moreover, the bag restricts the number/volumeof articles which can be dry cleaned.

It has been the belief in the dry cleaning industry that a containmentbag was necessary for dry cleaning fabric articles in a conventionalclothes dryer because of the high rate of air flow through conventionaldryers. The bag served to contain the water vapor, which evaporates offof the carrier sheets due to the heat in the clothes dryer, so that thewater vapor could remain in contact with the fabric articles/garmentsbeing dry cleaned thereby delivering perfume and other beneficialagents. It was believed that without a bag the evaporated water vaporwould be driven off by the forced air flow in the clothes dryer,prematurely drying the fabric articles before the cleaning/refreshmentfunction was complete.

Hence there is a need for a dry cleaning process which eliminates thecontainment bag while simultaneously providing the same cleaning,refreshment and garment protection functions of prior dry cleaningprocesses. Additionally, there is the need for a dry cleaning kit whichprovides the necessary items and compositions to accomplish the drycleaning processes described herein.

Background Art

Dry cleaning processes are disclosed in: U.S. Pat. No. 5,547,476 issuedAug. 20, 1996 to Siklosi & Roetker; U.S. Pat. No. 5,591,236 issued Jan.7, 1997 to Roetker; U.S. Pat. No. 5,630,847 issued May 20, 1997 toRoetker; U.S. Pat. No. 5,630,848 issued May 20, 1997 to Young, et al.;U.S. Pat. No. 5,632,780 issued May 27, 1997 to Siklosi; EP application429,172A1, published May 29, 1991, Leigh, et al.; and in U.S. Pat. No.5,238,587, issued Aug. 24, 1993, Smith, et al. Other references relatingto dry cleaning, compositions and processes, as well as wrinkletreatments for fabric articles, include: GB pateni 1,598,911; and U.S.Pat. Nos. 4,126,563, 3,949,137, 3,593,544, 3,647,354; 3,432,253 and1,747,324; and German applications 2,021,561 and 2,460,239, 0,208,989and 4,007,362.

Carrier sheet substrates for use in a laundry dryer are disclosed inCanadian patent No. 1,005,204. U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,956,556 and 4,007,300relate to perforated sheets for fabric conditioning in a clothes dryer.Additionally, U.S. Pat. No. 4,692,277 discloses the use of1,2-octanediol in liquid cleaners. See also U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,591,510;3,737,387; 3,764,544; 3,882,038; 3,907,496; 4,097,397; 4,102,824;4,336,024; 4,606,842; 4,758,641; 4,797,310; 4,802,997; 4,943,392;4,966,724; 4,983,317; 5,004,557; 5,062,973; 5,080,822; 5,173,200; EP 0213 500; EP 0 261 718; G.B. 1,397,475; WO91/09104; WO91/13145; WO93/25654 and Hunt, D. G. and N. H. Morris, “PnB and DPnB Glycol Ethers”,HAPPI, April 1989, pp. 78-82.

Absorbent Stain Receiver Articles are preferably made from certain typesof “TBAL” structures which are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,640,810,issued Feb. 3, 1987 to H. Laursen, et al. Use of such structures indiapers and feminine hygiene products is disclosed, for example, in U.S.Pat. Nos. 5,264,268 issued Nov. 23, 1993 to Luceri, et al.; 5,364,382issued Nov. 15, 1994 to Latimer, et al.; 5,525,407 issued to Yang onJun. 11, 1996; 5,569,226 issued Oct. 29, 1996 to Cohen, et al.;4,578,070 issued Mar. 25, 1996 to Holtman; 3,375,827 issued Apr. 2, 1968to Bletzinger; and 4,798,603 issued Jan. 17,1989 to Meyer, et al.

Cleaning/pre-treating compositions and methods are also disclosed, forexample, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,102,573; 5,041,230; 4,909,962; 4,115,061;4,886,615; 4,139,475; 4,849,257; 5,112,358; 4,659,496; 4,806,254;5,213,624; 4,130,392; and 4,395,261.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention encompasses a bagless dry cleaning kit and processfor dry cleaning fabric articles and the like. In one embodiment of thepresent invention a kit for dry cleaning fabric articles and the like isprovided wherein the kit comprises: one or more carrier sheets; and fromabout 200 grams to about 1,000 grams of a liquid cleaning/refreshmentcomposition; wherein the one or more carrier sheets can absorb at leastabout 200 grams of the liquid cleaning/refreshment composition. In apreferred embodiment of the present invention the kit further comprisesan Absorbent Stain Receiver Article and a pre-treating composition.

In another aspect, the invention provides a process for dry cleaningfabric articles and the like, wherein the process comprises the stepsof:

(i) placing one or more fabric articles to be cleaned in a device whichprovides heat and agitation;

(ii) placing one or more carrier sheets in the device wherein thecarrier sheets have about 200 grams of a liquid cleaning/refreshmentcomposition releasably absorbed therein;

(iii) heating the air within the device to at least about 100° F. (40°C.); and

(iv) agitating the fabric articles and the carrier sheets until at leastabout 40% by weight of the liquid cleaning/refreshment composition fromthe carrier sheets has been evaporated and vented from the device.

In a preferred aspect, for treating garments with localized stains, aprocess of the present invention further comprises the steps of:

(i) placing a localized stained area of the fabric article over and incontact with an Absorbent Stain Receiver Article;

(ii) applying enough pre-treating composition to the fabric article tosaturate the localized stained area;

(iii) allowing the composition to penetrate the stain for apredetermined period of time; and

(iv) removing the fabric article from contact with the Absorbent StainReceiver Article.

The kits and methods of the present invention provide the convenienceand economic advantages of a home dry cleaning system whilesimultaneously eliminating the need for a cumbersome, expensive andrestrictive bag. It has surprisingly been found that through the properselection and sizing of the carrier sheet—such that it can supply theproper amount of liquid cleaning/refreshment composition to the clothesdryer and the fabric articles to be dry cleaned—the bag of prior drycleaning processes can be eliminated. Moreover, the entire volume of aconventional clothes dryer can be utilized for dry cleaning fabricarticles and the like using the kits and processes of the presentinvention. Additionally, by adding a sufficient quantity of the liquidcleaning/refreshment composition to the clothes dryer the fabricarticles to be dry cleaned can be cleaned without adding new wrinkles tothe fabric articles. Moreover, preexisting wrinkles in fabrics can beremoved by using the kits and dry cleaning processes of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It has now been discovered that liquid cleaning/refreshment compositionscan be loaded onto a carrier substrate, or “carrier sheet”, such as acloth or woven or non-woven towelette and placed in a heated clothesdryer, or the like, to remove malodors from fabric articles as a drycleaning alternative or “fabric refreshment” process. The warm, humidenvironment created inside the clothes dryer, or other drying devicecapable of providing a heated environment while simultaneously agitatingthe fabric articles to be dry cleaned, volatilizes malodor components inthe manner of a “steam distillation” process, while moistening fabricsand the soils thereon. This moistening of fabrics can loosen pre-setwrinkles, but it has now been discovered that overly wet fabric articlescan experience setting of new wrinkles during the drying stage towardthe end of the dryer cycle. Proper selection of the amount of liquidcleaning/refreshment composition used in the process and, importantly,proper venting of the drying device in the present manner can minimizewrinkling. Moreover, if the drying device is not sufficiently vented,the volatilized malodorous materials removed from the fabric articlescan undesirably be re-deposited thereon.

The amount or liquid cleaning/refreshment composition utilized, thetemperature of the dryer operation, the amount of airflow through thedrying device and the amount of time the fabric articles being drycleaned are agitated all play an important role in the dry cleaningprocesses described herein. For example, adding too much liquidcleaning/refreshment composition to the drying device will overlymoisten the fabric articles, resulting in wrinkling. Likewise adding toosmall an amount of liquid cleaning/refreshment composition to the dryingdevice will not sufficiently moisten the fabric articles or soils tomobilize malodors or to remove pre-existing fabric wrinkles. Further,operating the drying device at too high of a temperature and/or at toohigh of an air flow rate will tend to volatilize and drive off theliquid cleaning/refreshment composition before the desiredcleaning/refreshment benefits are achieved.

As can be appreciated, the objective herein is to operate within theregion which minimizes the formation of new wrinkles and removeswrinkles which are already present in the garments prior to treatment.Moreover, with respect to malodor, it is preferred to deliver sufficientliquid cleaning/refreshment composition (grams of liquidcleaning/refreshment composition on substrate) to achieve substantialmalodor removal.

In practice, this means that the dry cleaning processes describedherein, which operate without a containment bag of prior dry cleaningsystems, requires that a substantially greater amount of liquidcleaning/refreshment composition be added to the fabric articles to bedry cleaned. Satisfactory results can be obtained by adding from about200 to about 1.000 grams of liquid cleaning/refreshment composition.Less liquid can be used, but wrinkles will not be efficiently removedfrom the fabric articles and malodor removal will suffer. Too muchliquid, e.g., more than about 1,000 grams, will cause additionalwrinkles to begin to form in the fabric articles.

Optionally, to reduce the amount of liquid cleaning/refreshmentcomposition that must be added to the drying device while maintainingthe desired cleaning/refreshment benefits described herein, the amountof air flow through the drying device can be regulated. For example,reducing the air flow rate through the drying device necessarily reducesthe amount of liquid cleaning/refreshment composition that isremoved/vented from therewithin. Hence, the liquid cleaning/refreshmentcomposition will have a longer residence time within the dryer andsubsequently a lesser amount of liquid cleaning/refreshment compositionwill be necessary. Air flow through the drying device can beregulated/restricted by any number of ways known to those skilled in theart. Specifically, a simple butterfly-valve in the vent line canregulate the amount of air flow through the dryer, as will any othermethod of partially blocking the dryer vent line. Adjusting the fanspeed is another alternative and others will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art.

The necessary amount of liquid cleaning/refreshment composition can alsobe reduced by recycling some or most of the dryer exhaust air back intothe dryer inlet air stream, thereby retaining the moisture vented fromthe dryer and reducing the evaporation rate from the carrier substrate.This type of dryer operation is currently used in certain “condensation”type dryers which are used commercially in Europe. The liquid demand canbe further reduced by eliminating or by-passing the condenser commonlyused on the recycle stream of condensation type dryers.

With regard to these considerations, it has been observed that thecarrier sheets, which are discussed in greater detail below, should notbe so saturated with the liquid compositions herein that they are“dripping” wet. If excessively wet (“dripping”), localized watertransfer to the fabric articles being cleaned and refreshed can causewrinkling. While it might have been thought that a larger carriersubstrate could be used to provide more liquid capacity, this can beself-limiting. Carrier sheets which are too large can become entangledwith the fabric articles being cleaned/refreshed, again resulting inexcessive localized wetting of the fabric articles. Hence, if it isdesired to add more liquid cleaning/refreshment composition to the dryerdevice it is often preferred to add more than one carrier sheet ratherthan increasing the size of the sheet. Accordingly, while the carriersheets used herein are optimal for the dryer sizes as noted, their sizescan, without undue experimentation, be adjusted proportionately forlarger and smaller dryer drum capacities. To achieve the desiredcleaning/refreshment benefits the present invention requires one or morecarrier sheets, and from about 200 grams to about 1,000 grams of aliquid cleaning/refreshment composition. Additionally, the one or morecarrier sheets should be capable of absorbing at least about 200 gramsof the liquid cleaning/refreshment composition.

The fabric articles, when removed from the dryer, will usually contain acertain amount of additional moisture. This will vary by fabric type.For example, silk treated in the optimal range of liquidcleaning/refreshment composition may contain from about 0.5% to about2.5%, by weight, of added moisture. Wool may contain from up to about4%, by weight, of added moisture. Rayon also may contain up to about 4%by weight, of added moisture. This is not to say that the fabricarticles are, necessarily, frankly “damp” to the touch. Rather, thefabric articles may feel cool, or cool-damp due to evaporative waterlosses. The fabric articles thus secured may be hung to further air dry,thereby preventing wrinkles from being re-established. If desired, thefabric articles can be ironed or subjected to other finishing processes,according to the desires of the user.

The following is intended to assist the formulator in the manufactureand use of kits and processes of this invention, but is not intended tobe limiting thereof.

Vapor Venting Evaluation

In their broadest sense, the processes of this invention are designed tobe able to vent from at least about 40% to at least about 99% by weight,and preferably from at least about 60% to at least about 90% by weight,of the total moisture introduced into the drying device or other hot airapparatus during the operating cycle. “Operating cycle” as used hereinmeans the amount of time required to vent off the desired amount ofmoisture in the drying device. Of course most, if not all, of theorganic cleaning solvents will also be vented together with the water.However, since water comprises the major portion of the liquidcleaning/refreshment compositions herein, it is more convenient tomeasure and report the venting as water vapor venting.

Determining the percent of moisture remaining in the dryer, whichsubsequently determines the end point of the operating cycle, can beaccomplished by a variety of analytical tools known to the art. Forexample, as the fabric articles within a conventional clothes dryerbegin to dry, the temperature within the dryer begins to rise. When thetemperature rises above a set-point the clothes are considered dry. Theset-point can be adjusted to end the drying cycle at the desiredmoisture level as discussed above. There are other, more accurate,methods for determining water vapor content which are currentlyavailable on conventional clothes dryers. Specifically, many dryers nowemploy a system of two metal strips permanently affixed to anon-rotating dryer wall. As clothes pass over these strips moisture fromthe clothes is deposited thereupon. The moisture bridges a gap betweenthe two strip thereby completing an electrical circuit which can beelectronically detected. As the clothes become dryer, the circuit iscompleted less frequently. Hence, the percent of moisture remaining onthe fabric articles being cleaned can be accurately determined and theoperating cycle time adjusted accordingly.

It will be appreciated by those knowledgeable about the operation ofcurrent hot air clothes dryers and similar apparatus that the rate ofventing will usually not be constant over the entire operating cycle.All dryers have a warm-up period at the beginning of the operatingcycle, and this can vary according to the specifications of themanufacturer. Most dryers have a cool-down period at the end of theoperating cycle. Some venting from the drying device can occur duringthese warm-up and cool-down periods, but its rate is generally less thanthe venting rate over the main period of the drying cycle. Moreover,even during the main period of the cycle, many modern dryers areconstructed with thermostat settings which cause the air temperature inthe dryer to be increased and decreased periodically, thereby preventingoverheating. Thus, an average, rather than constant, dryer operatingtemperature in the target range of from about 50° C. to about 85° C. istypically achieved. However, a dryer could be designed which utilizesthe dry cleaning kits and processes of the present invention and whichoperates at lower temperatures such as from about 40° C. to about 70° C.

Moreover, the user of the present kits and processes may choose to stopthe operation of the drying device before the cycle has been completed.Some users may wish to secure fabric articles which are still slightlydamp so that they can be readily ironed, hung up to dry, or subjected toother finishing operations.

Apart from the time period employed, the percent of total moisturevented for any given type of drying device will depend mainly on thetemperature achieved within the dryer—which, as noted above, istypically reported as an average “dryer air temperature”. In point offact, due to the tumbling action afforded by conventional clothesdryers, it is a reasonable approximation to measure the percent ofmoisture vented with reference to the average dryer air temperature.

Moreover, it will be appreciated that the vapor-venting from the dryingdevice should not be so rapid that the liquid cleaning/refreshmentcomposition does not have the opportunity to moisten the fabric articlesbeing treated and to mobilize and remove the soils/malodors therefrom.Indeed, the preferred processes are designed to prevent prematureventing, thereby allowing the liquid and vapors of thecleaning/refreshment composition to remain within the drying device fora period which is sufficiently long to perform its intended functions onthe fabric articles being treated.

Carrier Sheets

Carrier sheets are used to conveniently transport the liquidcleaning/refreshment composition defined below to the drying device suchthat the compositions perform their function. The carrier sheetsreleasably contain the compositions. “Releasably contains” means thatthe compositions are effectively released from the carrier as they areevaporated in the heated environment of the drying device and to alesser extent by physical contact with the fabric articles beingcleaned.

The carrier can be in any desired form, such as powders, flakes, shreds,and the like. However, it will be appreciated that such comminutedcarriers would have to be separated from the fabric articles at the endof the process. Accordingly, it is highly preferred that the carrier bein the form of an integral pad or sheet which substantially maintainsits structural integrity throughout the process. Such pads or sheets canbe prepared, for example, using well-known methods for manufacturingnon-woven sheets, paper towels, fibrous batts, cores for bandages,diapers and catamenials, and the like, using materials such as woodpulp, cotton, rayon, polyester fibers, and mixtures thereof. Woven clothpads may also be used, but are not preferred over non-woven pads due tocost considerations. Integral carrier pads or sheets may also beprepared from natural or synthetic sponges, foams, and the like.

The carriers are designed to be safe and effective under the intendedoperating conditions of the present process. The carriers must not beflammable during the process, nor should they deleteriously interactwith the cleaning or refreshment composition or with the fabric articlesbeing cleaned. In general, non-woven polyester-based pads or sheets arequite suitable for use as the carrier herein.

The carrier used herein is most preferably non-linting. “Non-linting”herein means a carrier which resists the shedding of visible fibers ormicrofibers onto the fabric articles being cleaned, i.e., the depositionof what is known in common parlance as “lint”. A carrier can easily andadequately be judged for its acceptability with respect to itsnon-linting qualities by rubbing it on a piece of dark blue woolen clothand visually inspecting the cloth for lint residues.

The non-linting qualities of sheet or pad carriers used herein can beachieved by several means, including but not limited to: preparing thecarrier from a single strand of fiber; employing known bondingtechniques commonly used with nonwoven materials, e.g., point bonding,print bonding, adhesive/resin saturation bonding, adhesive/resin spraybonding, stitch bonding and bonding with binder fibers. In an alternatemode, a carrier can be prepared using an absorbent core, said core beingmade from a material which, itself, sheds lint. The core is thenenveloped within a sheet of porous, nonlinting material having a poresize which allows passage of the cleaning or refreshment compositions,but through which lint from the core cannot pass. An example of such acarrier comprises a cellulose or polyester fiber core enveloped in anon-woven polyester scrim.

The carrier should be of a size which provides sufficient surface areathat it permits the rapid evaporation of water and other ingredients asdiscussed herein, e.g. perfume. Of course, the size of the carriershould not be so large as to be unhandy for the user. Typically, thedimensions of the carrier will be sufficient to provide a macroscopicsurface area (both sides of the carrier) of at least about wherein theone or more carrier sheets have an aggregate surface area of from about250 in² (1,500 cm²) to about 6,000 in² (40,000 cm²). For example, arectangular carrier may have the dimensions (X-direction) of from about40 cm to about 80 cm, and (Y-direction) of from about 40 cm to about 80cm. Two or more smaller carrier sheets can be used when a larger surfacearea is desired (or needed) as is discussed above.

The carrier is intended to contain a sufficient amount of the liquidcleaning/refreshment composition to be effective for the intendedpurpose. The capacity of the carrier for such compositions will varyaccording to the intended usage. For example, pads or sheets which areintended for a single use will require less capacity than such pads orsheets which are intended for multiple uses. For a given type of carrierthe capacity for the cleaning or refreshment composition will varymainly with the thickness or “caliper” (Z-direction; dry basis) of thesheet or pad. For purposes of illustration, typical single-use polyestersheets used herein will have a thickness in the range from about 0.1 mmto about 0.7 mm and a basis weight in the range from about 30 g/m² toabout 100 g/m². Typical multi-use polyester pads herein will have athickness in the range from about 0.2 mm to about 1.0 mm and a basisweight in the range from about 40 g/m² to about 150 g/m². Open-cellsponge sheets will range in thickness from about 0.1 mm to about 1.0 mm.Of course, the foregoing dimensions may vary, as long as the desiredquantity of the cleaning or refreshment composition is effectivelyprovided by means of the carrier.

A preferred carrier herein comprises a binderless (or optional lowbinder), hydroentangled absorbent material, especially a material whichis formulated from a blend of cellulosic, rayon, polyester and optionalbicomponent fibers. Such materials are available from Dexter, Non-WovensDivision, The Dexter Corporation as HYDRASPUN®, especially Grade 10244and 10444. The manufacture of such materials forms no part of thisinvention and is already disclosed in the literature. See, for example,U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,009,747, Viazmensky, et al., Apr. 23, 1991 and5,292,581, Viazmensky, et al., Mar. 8, 1994, incorporated herein byreference.

As an entirely optional matter, the carrier sheet can also have holespunched therethrough in order to further maximize its ability tomaintain an open configuration in-use. Indeed, the holes can be punchedthrough the entire article, including the coversheet, itself. For anarticle having the overall dimensions of about 40 cm×40 cm, 20 roundholes, each about 0.5 in. (1.27 cm) in diameter are evenly spaced acrossthe HYDRASPUN® carrier sheet. Slits or other perforations may be used inlike manner.

Preferred materials for use herein have the following physicalproperties.

Dexter Corp. Grade 10244 Units Targets Range Basis Weight gm/m² 55 35-75Thickness microns 355 100-1500 Density gm/cc 0.155 0.1-0.25 Dry Tensilegm/25 mm MD 1700 400-2500 CD 650 100-500 Wet Tensile gm/25 mm MD* 700200-1250 CD* 300 100-500 Brightness % 80 60-90 Absorption Capacity % 735400-900 (H₂O) Dry Mullen gm/cm² 1050 700-1200 *MD-machine direction;CD-cross direction

As disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,009,747 and 5,292,281, thehydroentangling process provides a nonwoven material suitable for use asa carrier sheet which comprises cellulosic fibers, and preferably atleast about 5% by weight of synthetic fibers, and requires less than 2%wet strength agent to achieve improved wet strength and wet toughness.Surprisingly, this hydroentangled carrier is not merely a passiveabsorbent for the cleaning and/or refreshment compositions herein, butactually optimizes cleaning performance. While not intending to belimited by theory, it may be speculated that this carrier is moreeffective in delivering the compositions to soiled fabrics. Or, thisparticular carrier might be better for removing soils by contact withthe soiled fabrics, due to its mixture of fibers. Whatever the reason,improved dry cleaning performance is secured.

In addition to the improved performance, it has now been discovered thatthis hydroentangled carrier material provides an additional, unexpectedbenefit due to its resiliency. In-use, the sheets herein are designed tofunction in a substantially open configuration. However, the sheets maybe packaged and sold to the consumer in a folded configuration. It hasbeen discovered that carrier sheets made from conventional materialstend to undesirably revert to their folded configuration in-use. Thisundesirable attribute can be overcome by perforating such sheet, butthis requires an additional processing step. It has now been discoveredthat the hydroentangled materials used to form the carrier sheet hereindo not tend to re-fold during use, and thus do not require suchperforations (although, of course, perforations may be used, ifdesired). Accordingly, this attribute of the hydroentangled carriermaterials herein makes them optimal for use in the manner of the presentinvention.

Controlled Release Carriers

Other carriers which can be used in the present invention arecharacterized by their ability to absorb liquid cleaning compositions,and to release them in a controlled manner. Such carriers can besingle-layered or multi-layer laminates. In one embodiment, suchcontrolled-release carriers can comprise the absorbent core materialsdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,009,653, issued Apr. 23, 1991, to T. W.Osborn III, entitled “Thin, Flexible Sanitary Napkin”, assigned to TheProcter & Gamble Company, incorporated herein by reference.

Another specific example of a controlled-release carrier hereincomprises a hydroentangled web of fibers (as disclosed above) havingparticles of polymeric gelling materials dispersed, either uniformly ornon-uniformly, in the web. Suitable gelling materials include thosedisclosed in detail at columns 5 and 6 of Osborn, as well as thosedisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,654,039, issued Mar. 31, 1987, to Brandt,Goldman and Inglin. Other carriers useful herein include WATER-LOCK®L-535, available from the Grain Processing Corporation of Muscatin,Iowa. Non-particulate superabsorbents such as the acrylate fibrousmaterial available under the tradename LANSEAL F from the Choli Companyof Higashi, Osaka, Japan and the carboxymethylcellulose fibrous materialavailable under the tradename AQUALON C from Hercules, Inc., ofWilmington, Del. can also be used herein. These fibrous superabsorbentsare also convenient for use in a hydro-entangled-type web.

In another embodiment, the controlled release carrier can compriseabsorbent batts of cellulosic fibers or multiple layers ofhydroentangled fibers, such as the HYDRASPUN sheets noted above. In thisembodiment, usually 2 to about 5 sheets of HYDRASPUN, which canoptionally be spot-bonded or spot-glued to provide a coherentmulti-layered structure, provides an absorbent carrier for use hereinwithout the need for absorbent gelling materials, although such gellingmaterials can be used, if desired. Other useful controlled releasecarriers include natural or synthetic sponges, especially open-cellpolyurethane sponges and/or foams. Whatever controlled release carrieris selected, it should be one which imbibes the liquid cleaningcompositions herein thoroughly, yet releases them with the applicationof pressure or heat. Typically, the controlled release carriers hereinwill feel wet or, preferably, somewhat damp-to-nearly dry to the touch,and will not be dripping wet when carrying 200-1,000 grams of the liquidcleaning/refreshment composition.

Coversheet

Coversheets which are optionally, but preferably, employed herein toenrobe the carrier sheet are distinguished from the carrier substratesheets, inasmuch as the coversheets are relatively non-absorbent to theliquid cleaning/refreshment compositions as compared with the carriersheets. The coversheets are constructed from hydrophobic fibers whichtend not to absorb, “wick” or otherwise promote the transfer of fluids.While fluids can pass through the void spaces between the fibers of thecoversheet, this occurs mainly when excessive pressure is applied to thearticle. Thus, under typical usage conditions the coversheet provides aphysical barrier which keeps the absorbent carrier, which is damp fromits load of liquid cleaning/refreshment composition, from coming intodirect contact with the fabric articles being treated. Yet, thepermeable coversheet does allow vapor transfer of thecleaning/refreshment composition from the carrier through the coversheetand then onto the fabric articles being treated.

One type of coversheet herein comprises a fibrous, permeable nonwoven orwoven fabric. Such nonwoven or woven fibrous coversheets offeradvantages over formed-film type coversheets known in the catamenialsart. For example, formed-film coversheets (as described hereinafter) areoften manufactured by hydroforming processes which are particularlysuitable with polymer films such as polyethylene. While polyethylene canbe used herein, there is some prospect that, due to its lower meltingpoint, high dryer temperatures can cause its softening and/or meltingin-use. While it is possible to prepare formed-film topsbeets usingnylon, polyester or other heat resistant polymeric sheets, suchmanufacture becomes somewhat more difficult and, hence, more expensive.

It has now also been determined that the coversheet herein should be ofa thickness which effectively provides the physical barrier function.Even though made from hydrophobic fibers, if the coversheet is too thin,fluid passage can occur under the intended usage conditions.Accordingly, it has now been determined that the thickness of thefibrous coversheet should preferably be at least about 7 mils (0.18 mm),preferably from about 0.2 mm to about 0.6 mm. It has also beendetermined that the fibers used in the coversheet are preferablyhydrophobic and preferably have a melting point above about 240° C.

Fibrous coversheets for use herein can readily be made from non-heatresistant fibers such as polyethylene. However, it has now beendetermined that preferred fibrous coversheets can be prepared usingnylon (especially nylon-6), polyester, and the like, heat-resistantfibers which can withstand even inadvertent misuse in the presentprocess. The flexible, cloth-like, permeable topsheets made therefromare conventional materials in the art of nonwoven and woven fabricmaking, and their manufacture forms no part of the instant invention.Nonwoven fabrics for use as coversheets are available commercially fromcompanies such as Reemay, Inc., Hickory, Tenn. Such coversheets alsopick up solid dust particles, vagrant lint and other fibers from thefabric articles being treated in the present process, thereby enhancingthe overall clean/refreshed appearance of the fabric articles followingthe treatment herein.

Such nonwoven or woven fibrous sheet materials can be used in a flatsingle layer or as multiple layers as the coversheet for the absorbentcarrier core herein. In another embodiment, the absorbent core carryingthe cleaning/refreshment composition is enrobed in a polyester orpolyamide fibrous coversheet which has been ring rolled or otherwisecrimped to provide three dimensional bulk. Optionally, this coversheetmay be further covered by a second coversheet in an uncrimpedconfiguration.

Such fibrous, preferably heat resistant and, most preferably,hydrophobic, coversheets thus provide various embodiments of the articleherein. Suitable combinations can be employed, according to the desiresof the manufacturer, without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention. If desired, the coversheet can be provided with macroscopicfenestrations through which the lint, fibers or particulate soils canpass, thereby further helping to entrap such foreign matter inside thearticle, itself.

A typical spun-bonded fibrous coversheet herein is commerciallyavailable from Reemay and has the following characteristics.

(a) Fabric Type—Non-woven, semi-dull, whitened homopolymer 100% virgin,spun-bonded polyester.

(b) Fiber Type—6.0 Denier straight, tri-lobal continuous fiber,copolymer polyester.

Web Properties Target Range a) Basis weight, roll average oz/yd² 0.540.52 to 0.59 b) Thickness 8 mil 7 to 8 mil c) Fuzz level

As measured by Reemay sled/drag method based on 0∝5 scale. 5 being nofuzz level.

Belt side 2.5 5.0 to 1.8 Jet side 3.4 5.0 to 2.6

As noted above, another type of coversheet which can be used with thecarrier sheets herein comprises the apertured “formed film” coversheetsknown in the art and from commercial use on catamenials. Aperturedformed films are pervious to the liquid cleaning and/or refreshmentcompositions and vapors thereof, and yet non-absorbent. Thus, thesurface of the formed film which is in contact with the fabric articlesremains relatively dry, thereby reducing water spotting and dyetransfer. As with the fibrous coversheets, the apertured formed filmscapture and retain lint, fibrous matter such as pet hair, and the like,from the fabric being treated, thereby enhancing thecleaning/refreshment benefits afforded by the present articles. Suitableformed films are described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,929,135, entitled“Absorptive Structure Having Tapered Capillaries”, issued to Thompson onDec. 30, 1975; U.S. Pat. No. 4,324,246, entitled “Disposable AbsorbentArticle Having A Stain Resistant Coversheet”, issued to Mullane andSmith on Apr. 13, 1982; U.S. Pat. No. 4,342,314, entitled “ResilientPlastic Web Exhibiting Fiber-Like Properties”, issued to Radel andThompson on Aug. 3, 1982; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,463,045, entitled“Macroscopically Expanded Three-Dimensional Plastic Web ExhibitingNon-Glossy Visible Surface and Cloth-Like Tactile Impression”, issued toAhr, Louis, Mullane and Ouellette on Jul. 31, 1984; U.S. Pat. No.4,637,819 issued to Ouellette, Alcombright & Curro on Jan. 20, 1987;U.S. Pat. No. 4,609,518 issued to Curro, Baird, Gerth, Vernon & Linmanon Sep. 2, 1986; U.S. Pat. No. 4,629,642 issued to Kernstock on Dec. 16,1986; and EPO Pat. No. 0,165,807 of Osborn published Aug. 30, 1989; allof which are incorporated herein by reference. The apertures in suchcoversheets may be of uniform size or can vary in size, as disclosed inthe foregoing published documents, which can be referred to fortechnical details, manufacturing methods, and the like. Such aperturesmay also vary in diameter in the manner of so-called “taperedcapillaries”. Such formed-film cover-sheets with tapered capillaryapertures preferably are situated over the carrier sheet such that thesmaller end of the capillary faces the carrier sheet and the larger endof the capillary faces outward. This helps prevent bulk liquid transfer,thereby minimizing water spotting on the fabric articles being treated.In the main, apertures in the formed film coversheets used herein canhave diameters in the range of from about 0.1 mm to about 1 mm, or asdisclosed in the aforesaid patent references.

A carrier sheet of the present type can be assembled as a laminatecomprising a topmost fibrous sheet, an absorbent carrier substrate asthe core and a bottommost fibrous sheet. The combination of topsheet andbottomsheet comprises the “coversheet” in the preferred embodiment ofthe articles herein. In one preferred mode, a bond extends around theperiphery of the article. The purpose of this bond is to ensure that theabsorbent carrier core maintains its original configuration relative tothe coversheet when the article is being used in the manner of thisinvention. Stated simply, it has been discovered that if the absorbentsheet which comprises the core is not bonded to the “envelope” providedby the coversheet in-use, the carrier sheet tends to crumple andbunch-up inside the coversheet. This can interfere with the delivery ofthe cleaning/refreshment composition to the fabric articles beingtreated.

Moreover, it has also been discovered that it is not preferred totightly bond the coversheet to the carrier sheet across the entire faceof the carrier sheet. Tightly bonding the coversheet closely to thecarrier sheet can allow some liquid transfer to occur through thecoversheet. Accordingly, the carrier sheet is bonded to the coversheetonly in discrete areas. In one embodiment, this bonding is only aroundthe periphery of the article. In another embodiment, spot-bonding atdiscrete areas across the face of the article can be employed. Variousother bond patterns can be used. Preferably, the bonding is done at nomore than about 50% of the area of the article, more preferably no morethan about 10% of the area of the article, most preferably no more thanabout 1% of the area of the article.

Liquid Cleaning/Refreshment Compositions

The liquid cleaning/refreshment compositions of the present inventioncomprise primarily water and perfume. Often it is desirable, if notnecessary to include an emulsifier to maintain the perfume insuspension. The liquid cleaning/refreshment compositions of the presentinvention can optionally comprise surfactants and/or solvents to enhancethe cleaning/refreshment benefits disclosed herein. Preferably, theliquid cleaning/refreshment composition comprises from about 90% toabout 99.5% by weight water and from about 10% to about 0.5% by weightof materials selected from the group consisting of perfumes,emulsifiers, surfactants, solvents, preservatives and mixtures thereof.Examples II and III below detail specific compositions that have beenused in the processes and kits of the present invention. However, theseexamples are not intended to limit the present invention.

Preferred refreshment compositions herein are as follows.

Ingredient % (wt.) Range (% wt.) Water 99.0 95.1-99.9 Perfume 0.50.05-1.5 Surfactant* 0.5 0.05-2.0 Ethanol or Isopropanol 0 Optional to4% *Especially preferred ethoxylated alcohols, as discussed in greaterdetail below. The fabric refreshment compositions may also containanionic surfactants. Such anionic surfactants are well-known in thedetergency arts. Commercial surfactants available as TWEEN ® , SPAN ® ,AEROSOL OT ® and various sulfosuccinic esters are especially usefulherein.

Perfume

As can be appreciated, the higher molecular weight, high boiling point,malodorous chemicals tend to be retained on the fabric articles, atleast to some degree. These malodors can be overcome, or “masked” byperfumes. However, it will be appreciated from the foregoing that theperfumer should select at least some perfume chemicals which aresufficiently high boiling that they are not entirely vented from thedrying device along with volatile malodors. A wide variety of aldehydes,ketones, esters, acetals, and the like, perfumery chemicals which haveboiling points above about 50° C., preferably above about 85° C., areknown. Such ingredients can be delivered by means of the carriersubstrate herein to permeate the contents of the drying device duringthe processes herein, thereby further reducing the user's perception ofmalodors. It is understood that the perfumes suitable for use in theliquid cleaning/refreshment compositions discussed above are generallysuitable for use in the pre-treating compositions discussed below.

Non-limiting examples of perfume materials with relatively high boilingcomponents include various essential oils, resinoids, and resins from avariety of sources including but not limited to orange oil, lemon oil,patchouli, Peru balsam, Olibanum resinoid, styrax, labdanum resin,nutmeg, cassia oil, benzoin resin, coriander, lavandin and lavender.Still other perfume chemicals include phenyl ethyl alcohol, terpineoland mixed pine oil terpenes, linalool, linalyl acetate, geraniol, nerol,2-(1,1-dimethylethyl)cyclohexanol acetate, orange terpenes and eugenol.Of course, lower boiling materials can be included, with theunderstanding that some loss will occur due to venting.

Localized Stain Removal

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the kits furthercomprise an Absorbent Stain Receiver Article and a pre-treatingcomposition which are used together to pre-treat localized stained areasof the fabric articles to be dry cleaned. The Absorbent Stain ReceiverArticle and pre-treating composition are discussed in turn below.

In a preferred mode the pre-treating composition comprises water and asurfactant, preferably a surfactant which comprises a mixture of MgAESsurfactant and amine oxide surfactant. The composition also preferablycomprises water and a solvent, preferably butoxy propoxy propanol. As anoverall consideration, the compositions typically comprise the solventand at least about 95%, by weight, of water, preferably also comprisinga solvent and a surfactant, i.e., water, a solvent and a surfactant.

In a preferred mode the process is conducted by working the compositioninto the stain by means of mechanical force applied to the stain. In ahighly preferred mode, the ASRA is a fibrous TBAL structure. Asdisclosed hereinafter, the synthetic fiber content of the low capillarypressure zone of the ASRA is preferably higher than the synthetic fibercontent of the high capillary pressure zone, and is about 80% to about100%, preferably about 100%, by weight, of synthetic fiber.

Absorbent Stain Receiver Article (“ASRA”)

The ASRA herein can comprise any of a number of absorbent structureswhich provide a capillary pressure difference through their thickness(Z-direction). When designing the ASRA for use in the spot removalprocess herein, the following matters are taken into consideration.First, the cleaning solution only removes the soil from the fibers ofthe fabric even with agitation. If the cleaning solution which carriesthe soil is allowed to remain in the fabric, the soil will beredeposited on the fabric as the cleaning solution dries. The morecomplete the removal of cleaning solution from the fabric, the morecomplete will be the removal of soil.

Second, the fabric article being treated is, itself, basically a fibrousabsorbent structure which holds liquid (i.e., the cleaning solution) incapillaries between the fibers. While some liquid may be absorbed intothe fibers, most of the liquid will be held in interfiber capillaries(this includes capillaries between filaments twisted into a thread).Liquid held in the fabric may be removed by contacting it with anotherabsorbent structure such as the ASRA, herein. In this process, liquid istransferred from the capillaries of the fabric to the capillaries of theASRA.

Third, liquid is held in capillaries by capillary pressure. Capillarypressure (Pc) is generally described by the following equation:

Pc=(2×G×CosA)/R where

G=the surface tension of the liquid

A=the contact angle between the liquid and the capillary wall

R=the radius of the capillary

Accordingly, capillary pressure is highest in capillaries which have alow contact angle and a small radius. Liquid is held most tightly byhigh capillary pressure and will move from areas of low capillarypressure to areas of high capillary pressure. Hence, in the subject ASRAwhich provides a capillary pressure difference through its thickness,liquid will move from low capillary pressure areas to high capillarypressure areas. Capillary pressure can be measured using a variety oftechniques, but will employ the liquid cleaning composition as the testliquid.

In reality, most absorbent materials are complex structures comprised ofa range of capillary sizes and contact angles. For this discussion, thecapillary pressure of a material or capillary pressure zone within amaterial is defined as the volumetric weighted average of the range ofpressures found within that material or zone.

For purposes of illustration, in circumstances wherein a soiled fabricsaturated with cleaning solution is in liquid communication contact withtwo stacked, identical layers of homogeneous absorbent material, such asa paper towel, solution and soil would readily transfer from the fabricto the towel until the capillary pressure is approximately equal in thetwo materials. At equilibrium a certain amount of solution and soil willremain in the fabric. The exact amount will depend on the basis weightand capillary pressure characteristics of the fabric and towel. Areduced amount of residual solution and soil in the fabric, andtherefore better cleaning, would result from replacing the bottom layer(layer not in direct contact with the fabric) of towel with an absorbentlayer of capillary pressure higher than that of the towel. By virtue ofits higher capillary pressure this absorbent layer will cause moresolution to transfer from the low capillary pressure top towel layer tothe high capillary pressure absorbent layer which in turn causes moresolution to transfer from the fabric to the top towel layer. The resultis better cleaning due to less residual solution and soil remaining inthe fabric.

This type of multi-layer system is also beneficial when Z-directionalpressure is applied to the wetted stained fabric and ASRA. This pressurecompresses the various materials, thereby lowering their void volume andliquid absorption capacity (increasing the % saturation of thematerials). This can cause liquid to be squeezed out. The layeredstructure allows for free liquid to be absorbed by the lower layer,i.e., the one furthest away from the fabric. This lessens thereabsorption of liquid by the fabric. This is especially true if thebottom layer (layer of highest capillary pressure) is also relativelyincompressible (retains a higher percentage of its void volume underpressure) compared to the top layer (layer of lower capillary pressure).In this case it may be desirable for the top layer to be resilientlycompressible so as to express liquid under pressure which can beabsorbed by the bottom layer.

Thus the ASRA can comprise two or more relatively distinct layers whichdiffer in capillary pressure. As can be seen from the capillary pressureequation, a difference in capillary pressure can be achieved by varyingthe capillary size or the contact angle between the cleaning solutionand the ASRA. Both factors can be controlled by the composition of theASRA. The contact angle portion of the equation can also be affected bychemical treatment of the ASRA with, for example, a surfactant to lowerthe contact angle or a water repellent material such as silicone toincrease contact angle.

The effectiveness of an ASRA comprising multiple layers of differingcapillary pressure can be enhanced by locating most of the totalabsorbent capacity in the high capillary pressure portion. The topfabric facing layer need only be thick enough to insulate the fabricfrom the liquid held in the bottom layer.

The effectiveness of the layered ASRA can be further enhanced byselecting the low capillary pressure portion to have a capillarypressure higher than that of the fabric being treated.

In an ASRA comprised of two or more layers differing in capillarypressure, the pattern of capillary pressure change can be characterizedas “stepped”. Through the thickness of the ASRA there is a sharp changeor step in capillary pressure at the layer interfaces. It will beappreciated that the ASRA herein need not comprise multiple distinctlayers, but rather can comprise a single layer structure with arelatively continuous capillary size gradient through its thickness.

The ASRA can be made from a variety of materials including fibrousabsorbents and foams. Useful fibrous absorbents include nonwoven fabrics(carded, hydroentangled, thermal bonded, latex bonded, meltblown, spun,etc.), thermal bonded airlaid nonwovens (“TBAL”), latex bonded airlaidnonwovens (“LBAL”), multi-bonded airlaid nonwovens (“MBAL” combinedlatex and thermal bonded), wet laid paper, woven fabrics, knittedfabrics or combination of materials (i.e., top layer of a cardednonwoven, and a bottom layer of wet laid paper). These fibrousabsorbents can be manufactured using a wide variety of fibers includingboth natural and synthetic fibers. Useful fibers include wood pulp,rayon, cotton, cotton linters, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene,acrylic, nylon, multi-component binder fibers, etc. Multiple fiber typescan be blended together to make useful materials. Useful foam materialsinclude polyurethane foams and high internal phase emulsion foams. Thecritical factor is to have a difference in capillary pressure within thethickness of the ASRA. A broad range of fiber sizes can be employed. Atypical, but non-limiting range of diameters is from about 0.5micrometers to about 60 micrometers. For meltblown, the preferred fibersare less than about 10 micrometers. Typical spun-bond and syntheticstaple fibers range in diameter from about 14 to about 60 micrometers.In general, one selects smaller diameter fibers for the high capillarypressure layer and higher diameters for low capillary pressure. Fiberlength can depend on the forming process that is being used and thedesired capillary pressure. Spun-bonds comprise a substantiallycontinuous fiber. For air-laid fibers, 4-6 mm is typical. For cardedfibers the range is typically 25-100 mm. In addition, it has now beenfound that enriching the upper layer in bicomponent fibers decreaseslinting during use. Cleaning can also be enhanced by making the toplayer rich in synthetic (e.g., bicomponent) fibers due to theirlipophilic nature which aids in the removal of oily stains from thefabric article being treated.

Absorbent gelling materials (“AGM”) such as those sometimes referred toin the diaper art as ‘supersorbers’ can be added to either or bothlayers of the receiver or as a discrete layer between the fiber layersor on the back of the bottom layer of the ASRA. Functionally, the AGMprovides additional liquid absorption capacity and serves to drain thecapillaries in the ASRA structure which helps to maintain the capillarypressure gradient as liquid is absorbed.

Another type of absorbent useful herein comprises Functional AbsorbentMaterials (“FAM's”) which are in the form of water-absorbent foamshaving a controlled capillary size. The physical structure and resultinghigh capillarity of FAM-type foams provide very effective waterabsorption, while at the same time the chemical composition of the FAMtypically renders it highly lipophilic. Thus, the FAM can essentiallyprovide both hydrophilicity and lipophilicity simultaneously. (FAM foamscan be treated to render them hydrophilic. Both the hydrophobic orhydrophilic FAM can be used herein.)

The acquisition and absorbency of the FAM with respect to the liquidcleaning compositions herein is superior to most other types ofabsorbent materials. For example, the FAM has a capacity of about 6 g(H₂O) per gram of foam at a suction pressure of 100 cm of water. Bycontrast, cellulose wood fiber structures have substantially no capacityabove about 80 cm of water. Since, in the present process the volume ofliquid cleaning composition used is relatively low (a few milliliters istypical) the amount of FAM used can be small. This means that the pad ofFAM which underlays the stained area of fabric can be quite thin andstill be effective.

The manufacture of FAM-type foams for use as the ASRA herein forms nopart of the present invention. The manufacture of FAM foam is veryextensively described in the patent literature; see, for example: U.S.Pat. No. 5,260,345 to DesMarais, Stone, Thompson, Young, LaVon and Dyer,issued Nov. 9, 1993; U.S. Pat. No. 5,268,224 to DesMarais, Stone,Thompson, Young, LaVon and Dyer, issued Dec. 7, 1993; U.S. Pat. No.5,147,345 to Young, LaVon and Taylor, issued Sep. 15, 1992 and companionpatent U.S. Pat. No. 5,318,554 issued Jun. 7, 1994; U.S. Pat. No.5,149,720 to DesMarais, Dick and Shiveley, issued Sep. 22, 1992 andcompanion patents U.S. Pat. No. 5,198,472, issued Mar. 30, 1993 and U.S.Pat. No. 5,250,576 issued Oct.5, 1993; U.S. Pat. No. 5,352,711 toDesMarais, issued Oct. 4, 1994; PCT application 93/04115 published Mar.4, 1993, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,292,777 to DesMarais and Stone, issued Mar.8, 1994; U.S. Pat. No. 5,387,207 to Dyer, DesMarais, LaVon, Stone,Taylor and Young, issued Feb. 7, 1995; U.S. Pat. No. 5,500,451 toGoldman and Scheibel, issued Mar. 19, 1996; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,550,167to DesMarais, issued Aug. 27, 1996, all incorporated herein byreference.

Absorbents made of FAM foam can be used in either of two ways. In onemode, the uncompressed foam is used. Uncompressed FAM pads having athickness in the range of about 0.3 mm to about 15 mm are useful. Inanother mode, the FAM foam can be used in a compressed state whichswells as liquid cleaner with its load of stain material is imbibed.Compressed FAM foams having thicknesses in the range of about 0.02inches (0.5 mm) to about 0.185 inches (4.7 mm) are suitable herein. Thepreparation of FAM foam (also sometimes referred to in the literature as“HIPE”, i.e., high internal phase emulsion) is described in the patentscited hereinabove, the disclosures of which have been incorporatedherein by reference.

In light of the foregoing considerations, the ASRA herein can be definedas an absorbent structure which has a capillary pressure differencethrough its thickness (Z-direction). In a typical, but non-limitingmode, this can be achieved by having relatively larger capillaries (forexample 50-100 micrometers radius) in the upper, liquid-receivingportion of the ASRA which is placed in contact with the fabric articlebeing treated. The lower, liquid-storage portion having relativelysmaller capillaries (for example 5-30 micrometers radius). Irrespectiveof the size employed, it is desirable that the difference in averagecapillary pressure between the two layers be large enough that theoverlap in capillary pressure range between the two layers is minimized.

Basis Weight

The basis weight of the ASRA can vary depending on the amount ofcleaning solution which must be absorbed. A preferred 127 mm×127 mmreceiver absorbs about 10-50 grams of water. Since very little liquid isused in the typical stain removal process, much less capacity isactually required. A typical TBAL ASRA pad weighs about 4-6 grams. Auseful range is therefore about 1 gram to about 7 grams. A variety ofsizes can be used, e.g., 90 mm×140 mm.

Size and Thickness

The preferred size of the ASRA is about 127 mm×127 mm, but other sizescan be used, e.g., 90 mm×140 mm. The shape can also be varied. Theoverall thickness of the preferred ASRA is about 3 mm (120 mils) but canbe varied widely. The low end may be limited by the desire to provideabsorbency impression. A reasonable range is 25 mils to 200 mils.

Other ASRA Design Considerations

The ASRA is preferably dust and lint free. Some materials are naturallydust and lint free (synthetic nonwoven fabrics). Some, generallycellulose containing materials, can be dusty because not all the fibersare bonded. Dust and lint can be reduced by bonding substantially allthe fibers which reside on or near the surface of the ASRA whichcontacts the fabric article being treated. This can be accomplished byapplying resins such as latex, starch, polyvinyl alcohol or the like.Cold or hot crimping, sonic bonding, heat bonding and/or stitching mayalso be used along all edges of the receiver to further reduce Tintingtendency.

The ASRA is generally sufficiently robust that it can be used as-is.However, in order to prevent strike-through of the liquid onto the tabletop or other treatment surface selected by the user, it is preferred toaffix a liquid-impermeable barrier sheet to the bottom-most surface ofthe lower layer. This backing sheet also improves the integrity of theoverall article. The bottom-most layer can be extrusion coated with an0.5-2.0 mil, preferably 1.0 mil, layer of polyethylene or polypropylenefilm using conventional procedures. A film layer could also beadhesively or thermally laminated to the bottom layer. The film layer isdesigned to be a pinhole-free barrier to prevent any undesired leakageof the cleaning composition beyond the receiver. This backing sheet canbe printed with usage instruction, embossed and/or decorated, accordingto the desires of the formulator. The ASRA is intended for use outsidethe dryer. However, since the receiver may inadvertently be placed inthe dryer and subjected to high temperatures, it is preferred that thebacking sheet be made of a heat resistant film such as polypropylene ornylon.

White is the preferred color for the ASRA as it allows the user toobserve transfer of the stain from the fabric to the receiver. However,there is no functional limit to the choice of color. The backing sheetcan optionally be a contrasting color.

The ASRA can also be embossed with any desired pattern or logo.

Manufacture

A typical, but non-limiting, embodiment of the ASRA herein is a TBALmaterial which consists of an upper, low capillary pressure layer whichis placed in liquid communication contact with the fabric article beingtreated and a bottom high capillary pressure layer. The ASRA can beconveniently manufactured using procedures known in the art formanufacturing TBAL materials; see U.S. Pat. No. 4,640,810. As an overallproposition, TBAL manufacturing processes typically comprise laying-downa web of absorbent fibers, such as relatively short (2-4 mm) wood pulpfibers, in which are commingled relatively long (4-6 mm) bi-componentfibers. The sheath of the bicomponent fiber melts with the applicationof heat to achieve thermal bonding. The bi-component fibers intermingledthroughout the wood pulp fibers thereby act to ‘glue’ the entire mattogether. Both layers in one embodiment of the ASRA herein can be ahomogeneous blend of wood pulp fibers and bi-component thermal bondingfibers. In a more preferred embodiment, the top layer is 100% concentricbi-component fiber comprising 50:50 (wt.) polyethylene (PE) andpolypropylene (PP) comprising a PP core enrobed in an outer sheath ofPE. The gradient is achieved by providing a higher proportion ofbicomponent bonding fibers in the top layer compared to the bottomlayer. Using a TBAL process as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,640,810, thetop, low capillary pressure layer is formed by a first forming stationfrom 100% bicomponent fiber (AL-Thermal-C, 1.7 dtex, 6 mm long availablefrom Danaklon a/s). Basis weight of this all-bicomponent top layer isapproximately 30 gsm (grams/meter²). The bottom, high capillary pressurelayer is formed upon the top layer by second and third forming stationsfrom a fiber blend consisting of approximately 72% wood pulp (FlintRiver Fluff available from Weyerhaeuser Co.) and approximately 28%bi-component binder fiber. Basis weight of this bottom layer isapproximately 270 gsm. Each of the second and third forming stationdeposits approximately half of the total weight of the bottom layer. Thetwo layers are then calendered to provide a final combined thickness ofapproximately 3 mm. Subsequently, a 1.0 mil coating of polypropylene isextrusion coated onto the exposed surface of the bottom layer.Individual receivers are cut to 127 mm×127 mm size. In one optionalmode, since the material will be wound into a roll before applying theback sheet, a binder (e.g., latex—Airflex 124 available from AirProducts) can be applied to the exposed surface of the lower layer priorto thermal bonding to prevent transfer of dust and lint to the topall-bicomponent layer. Alternatively, a non-linting sheet can be placedon the ASRA during roll-up to prevent linting due to contact between thesurfaces.

Usage Conditions

The ASRA herein is intended to be made so inexpensively that it can bediscarded after a single use. However, the structures are sufficientlyrobust that multiple re-uses are possible. In any event, the user shouldpreferably position the article such that “clean” areas are positionedunder the stained areas of the fabric article being treated in order toavoid release of old stains from the ASRA back onto the fabric.

Preferred Pre-Treating Compositions

The chemical compositions which are used to pre-treat localized stainscomprise ingredients which are safe and effective for their intendeduse. Since the process herein does not involve an aqueous rinse step,the compositions employ ingredients which do not leave undesirableresidues on fabrics when employed in the manner disclosed herein. Whileconventional laundry detergents are typically formulated to provide goodcleaning on cotton and cotton/polyester blend fabrics, the compositionsherein must be formulated to also safely and effectively pre-treatfabrics such as wool, silk, rayon, rayon acetate, and the like.

In addition, the compositions herein comprise ingredients which arespecially selected and formulated to minimize dye removal or migrationfrom the stain site of fugitive, unfixed dye from the fabric articlesbeing cleaned. In this regard, it is recognized that the solventstypically used in immersion dry cleaning processes can remove someportion of certain types of dyes from certain types of fabrics. However,such removal is tolerable in immersion processes since the dye isremoved relatively uniformly across the surface of the fabric. Incontrast, it has now been determined that high concentrations of certaintypes of cleaning ingredients at specific sites on fabric surfaces canresult in unacceptable localized dye removal. The preferred compositionsherein are formulated to minimize or avoid this problem.

In addition to the foregoing considerations, the compositions usedherein are preferably formulated such that they are easily dispensed andnot so adhesive in nature that they render the spot-cleaning deviceunhandy or difficult to use. However, and while not intending to belimiting of the present invention, the preferred compositions disclosedherein afford a spot-cleaning process which is both effective andaesthetically pleasing when used with a device according to thisinvention.

Surfactants

Nonionics such as the ethoxylated C₁₀-C₁₆ alcohols, e.g., NEODOL 23-6.5,can also be used in the compositions. The alkyl sulfate surfactantswhich may be used herein as cleaners and to stabilize aqueous cleaningcompositions are the C₈-C₁₈ primary (“AS”; preferred C₁₀-C₁₄, sodiumsalts), as well as branched-chain and random C₁-C₂₀ alkyl sulfates, andC₁₀-C₁₈ secondary (2,3) alkyl sulfates of the formulaCH₃(CH₂)_(x)(CHOSO₃ ⁻M⁺) CH₃ and CH₃ (CH₂)_(y)(CHOSO₃ ⁻M⁺) CH₂CH₃ wherex and (y+1) are integers of at least about 7, preferably at least about9, and M is a water-solubilizing cation, especially sodium, as well asunsaturated sulfates such as oleyl sulfate. Alkyl ethoxy sulfate (AES)surfactants used herein are conventionally depicted as having theformula R(EO)_(x)SO₃Z, wherein R is C₁₀-C₁₆ alkyl, EO is —CH₂CH₂—O—, xis 1-10 and can include mixtures which are conventionally reported asaverages, e.g., (EO)_(2.5), (EO)_(6.5) and the like, and Z is a cationsuch as sodium ammonium or magnesium (MgAES). The C₁₂-C₁₆ dimethyl amineoxide surfactants can also be used. A preferred mixture comprisesMgAE₁S/MgAE_(6.5)S/C₁₂ dimethyl amine oxide at a weight ratio of about1:1:1. A more preferred mixture comprises MgAE₁S/C₁₂ dimethyl amineoxide at a weight ratio of about 10:1. Other surfactants which improvephase stability and which optionally can be used herein include thepolyhydroxy fatty acid amides, e.g., C₁₂-C₁₄ N-methyl glucamide. ASstabilized compositions preferably comprise 0.1%-0.5%, by weight, of thecompositions herein. MgAES and amine oxides, if used, can comprise0.01%/-2%, by weight, of the compositions. The other surfactants can beused at similar levels.

Having due regard to the foregoing considerations, the followingillustrates the various other ingredients which can be used in thecompositions herein, but is not intended to be limiting thereof.

Aqueous Compositions

(a) Solvent—The compositions herein may comprise from about 0% to about6%, by weight, of BPP solvent.

(b) Water—The compositions herein may comprise from about 94%,preferably from about 95.5% to about 99%, or even 99.9%, by weight, ofwater.

(c) Surfactant—The preferred compositions herein may comprise from about0.05% to about 2%, by weight, of surfactants such as ethoxylatedalcohols or alkyl phenols, alkyl sulfates or MgAES, NH₄AES, amineoxides, and mixtures thereof. Typically, the weight ratio of BPPsolvent:surfactant(s) is in the range of from about 10:1 to about 1:1. Apreferred composition comprises 2% BPP/0.3% MGAE₁S/0.03% C₁₂ dimethylamine oxide.

(d) Optionals—The compositions herein may comprise minor amounts ofvarious optional ingredients, including perfumes, preservatives, and thelike. If used, such optional ingredients will typically comprise fromabout 0.05% to about 2%, by weight, of the compositions, having dueregard for residues on the cleaned fabric articles.

Organic Solvent

The preferred cleaning solvent herein is butoxy propoxy propanol (BPP)which is available in commercial quantities as a mixture of isomers inabout equal amounts. The isomers, and mixtures thereof, are usefulherein. The isomer structures are as follows:

n—C₄H₉—O—CH₂CH₂CH₂—O—CH₂CH₂CH₂—OH

While the liquid cleaning compositions herein function quite well withonly the BPP, water and stabilizing surfactant, they may also optionallycontain other ingredients to further enhance their stability.Hydrotropes such as sodium toluene sulfonate and sodium cumenesulfonate, short-chain alcohols such as ethanol and isopropanol, and thelike, can be present in the compositions. If used, such ingredients willtypically comprise from about 0.05% to about 5%, by weight, of thestabilized compositions herein. Non-aqueous (less than 50% water)compositions which optionally can be used in the pre-spotting step cancomprise the same organic solvents.

Other Optionals

In addition to the water, the preferred BPP solvent and the surfactantsdisclosed above, the compositions herein may comprise various optionalingredients, such as perfumes, preservatives, brighteners, salts forviscosity control, pH adjusters or buffers, and the like.

EXAMPLE I

Examples of preferred, high water content pre-treating compositions foruse in the localized stain removal step herein are as follows. Thecompositions are listed as “nonionic” or “anionic”, depending on thetype of surfactant used therein. These compositions are used in themanner disclosed in Example III hereinafter.

Ingredient Nonionic (%) Anionic (%) Butoxypropoxypropanol (BPP) 2.002.00 NEODOL 23 6.5 0.250 — NH₄Coconut E₁S* — 0.285 Dodecyldimethylamineoxide — 0.031 MgCl₂ — 0.018 MgSO₄ — 0.019 Hydrotrope, perfume, — 0.101other minors KATHON preservative 0.0003 0.0003 Water 97.750 97.547*Ammonium salt of C₁₂-C₁₄ (coconut alkyl) ethoxy (EO-1) sulfate.

EXAMPLE II

A liquid cleaning/refreshment composition for use in the processes andkits of the present invention is prepared, as follows.

Ingredient % (wt.) Water 99.3 Emulsifier (TWEEN 20)* 0.3 Perfume 0.4*Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate available from ICISurfactants.

230 Grams of the product is applied to six (6) 40 cm×40 cm carriersheets of non-woven fabric, preferably HYDRASPUN®. In simple, yeteffective, mode, the carrier sheets are placed in a pouch and saturatedwith the product. The capillary action of the substrate and, optionally,manipulation and/or laying the pouch on its side, causes the product towick throughout the sheets. Preferably, the sheets are of a type, sizeand absorbency that they are not “dripping” wet from the liquid. Thepouch is sealed so that the liquid composition is stable to storageuntil use.

Step 1

A fabric article to be cleaned and refreshed is selected. Localizedstained areas of the fabric article are situated over an absorbent TBALstain receiver or other ASRA as disclosed herein and are treated bydirectly applying about 0.5-5 mls (depending on the size of the stain)of the liquid pre-treating composition of Example I, which is gentlyworked into the fabric using the device herein. The treated stains arepadded with dry paper toweling. In an alternate mode, the refreshmentproduct is releasably absorbed on a carrier sheet and applied to thestains.

Step 2

Following the pre-spotting step, the fabric article is placed into aconventional clothes dryer together with the sheets (which are removedfrom the storage pouch and unfolded) releasably containing the liquidcleaning/refreshment composition of Example II. The dryer is operated instandard fashion for 10-60 minutes at a high heat setting (an airtemperature range of about 140-170° F.; 60-70° C.). After the tumblingaction of the dryer ceases, the cleaned and refreshed fabric article isremoved from the dryer. The used carrier sheets are discarded.

EXAMPLE III

Additional, high water content cleaning/refreshment compositions for usein the dryer step of the processes herein are as follows. Thecompositions are used in the manner disclosed hereinabove to clean andrefresh fabrics.

Components Percent Range (%) Function Water De-ionized 98.8997 97-99.9Vapor Phase Cleaning TWEEN 20 0.50 0.5-1.0 Wetting Agent, Emulsifier forPerfume Perfume 0.50 0.1-1.50 Scent, Aesthetics KATHON CG* 0.00030.0001-0.0030 Anti-bacterial Sodium Benzoate* 0.10 0.05-1.0 Anti-fungal*Optional preservative ingredients.

200-1,000 grams, preferably about 230 grams, of the liquidcleaning/refreshment composition is absorbed into six (6) 40 cm×40 cmHYDRASPUN® carrier sheets (the sheets are preferably not “dripping”wet). The sheets are used in the foregoing manner to clean and refreshfabric articles in a hot air clothes dryer.

EXAMPLE IV

A liquid pre-treating composition is formulated by admixing thefollowing ingredients.

Ingredient % (wt.) BPP 4.0 C₁₂-C₁₄ AS, Na salt 0.25 Water and minors*Balance *Includes preservatives such as KATHON ® at levels of0.00001%-1%, by weight.

The fabric article to be treated is laid flat on an absorbent TBAL stainreceiver sheet or any of the other ASRA's disclosed herein, and 0.5 ml-4ml of the composition is applied directly to the stain and worked inusing the cleaning device.

Other useful compositions which can be used in this step are as follows:

Ingredient Percent (wt.) (Range: wt) BPP 4.0 0.1-40% C₁₂-C₁₄ AS 0.40.1-0.5% Nonionic Surfactant (optional)* 0.1 0-0.5% Water (distilled ordeionized) Balance 95-99.8% Target pH = 7.0 *The optional nonionicsurfactants in the compositions herein are preferably C₁₂-C₁₄ N-methylglucamides or ethoxylated C₁₂-C₁₆ alcohols (EO 1-10).

The foregoing illustrates pre-spotting compositions using the ASsurfactant. Improved cleaning performance can be achieved using MgAESand amine oxide surfactants, although possibly with some reduction inphase stability. Thus, aqueous compositions with approximately 2-3% BPPcan be stabilized using MgAES surfactants. However, for compositionscontaining 4%, and higher, BPP, the formulator may wish to include ASsurfactant. The amount and blend of surfactants will depend on thedegree of temperature-dependent phase stability desired by theformulator. Amine oxide surfactants such as dimethyl dodecyl amine oxidecan also be used in the compositions.

The pre-spotted fabric articles are then placed in a drying devicetogether with one or more of the carrier sheets which releasably containabout 200-1,000 grams of a cleaning/refreshment composition according toany of the Examples herein. The dryer is started and the fabric articlesand carrier sheets are tumbled for a period of 10-60 minutes at a dryerair temperature in the range from about 40° C. to about 70° C. Duringthis time, the carrier sheets come into close contact with the fabricarticles. The water vapors and malodorous, volatile materials are ventedfrom the dryer by a fan as in a conventional clothes dryer. After themachine cycle is complete, the fabric articles and carrier sheets areremoved from the dryer, and the spent carrier sheets are discarded. Thefabric articles are cleaned and refreshed.

With respect to the wrinkle-removing function of the in-dryer step ofthe process and the compositions herein, it will be appreciated thatwrinkling can be affected by the type of fabric, the fabric weave,fabric finishes, and the like. For fabrics which tend to wrinkle, it ispreferred not to overload the dryer. Thus, for a dryer with, forexample, an operational capacity of up to about 3.5 to 7.0 cubic feet(100,000 to 200,000 cubic centimeters), it may be best to process up toonly about 35% to about 40% of the dryer capacity, to further minimizewrinkling of the fabric articles.

EXAMPLE V

A low residue liquid cleaning/refreshment composition for use in theprocesses and kits of the present invention is prepared, as follows.

Ingredient % (wt.) Emulsifier (TWEEN 20)* 0.5 Perfume 0.5 KATHON ® **0.0003 Sodium Benzoate 0.1 Water Balance *Polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitanmonolaurate available from ICI Surfactants. **Preservative

A carrier sheet of HYDRASPUN® is prepared. The carrier sheet is coveredon both sides with a topsheet and a bottomsheet of 8 mil (0.2 mm) Reemayfabric coversheet material of the type described hereinabove. Thecoversheet (i.e., both topsheet and bottomsheet) are bonded to thecarrier sheet by a Vertrod® or other standard heat sealer device,thereby bonding the laminate structure together around the entireperiphery of the carrier sheet. The edges of the carrier sheet aroundits periphery are intercalated between the topsheet and bottomsheet bythe bond. The width of the bond is kept to a minimum and is about 0.25in (6.4 mm).

The bonded laminate structure thus prepared is rolled somewhat looselyaround a cylindrical void into a generally tubular shape of about 40 cmlength and a diameter of about 2-3 cm. The rolled article is then foldedto half its length at about its mid-point by means of a thrusting bladewhich also serves to insert the article into a retaining pouch. It isobserved that, with the rolling method herein, essentially no severelysharp creases are formed, and the final doubling of the rolled tube isunder such stress that only in the very center of the bend are a fewsharper creases formed. The result is that permanent refolding alongcrease lines is essentially avoided, and release of thecleaning/refreshment composition from the article in-use is optimized.

Any plastic or flexible pouch which does not leak is suitable for use tocontain the carrier sheets and liquid cleaning/refreshment compositionsdisclosed herein. For example, a foil laminated pouch of the type usedin the food service industry can be employed. Such pouches arewell-known in the industry and are made from materials which do notabsorb food flavors. In like manner, the formulator herein may wish toavoid absorption of the perfume used in the cleaning/refreshmentcomposition by the pouch. Various pouches are useful herein and arecommercially available on a routine basis. Thus, the pouch containingthe rolled/folded carrier sheets herein has overall dimensions of about8.5 cm×22 cm. 230 grams of the liquid cleaning/refreshment compositionare poured onto the carrier sheets within the pouch and allowed toabsorb into it for a minimum of 30 minutes, preferably for at leastabout 4 hours. The pouch is sealed immediately after the liquid productis introduced into the pouch and stored until time-of-use.

While the process and components thereof have been described herein bothbroadly and in detail, modifications thereof which meet the foregoingconsiderations fall within the spirit and scope of the presentinvention. Kits according to the present invention conveniently contain1 to about 20 of the carrier sheets, liquid cleaning/refreshmentcomposition, optionally from about 1 to about 6 of the sheet-form ASRA'sand bottled portions (typically about 10 ml to about 100 ml) of thepre-treating composition. However, larger or smaller quantities of thecarrier sheets, receivers and/or the pre-treating compositions can beprovided. Kits comprising one or more ASRA's and a portion, e.g., 5-200mIs, of cleaning composition are also provided herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A kit for dry cleaning fabrics characterized bycomprising: one or more carrier sheets; and from 200 grams to 1,000grams of a liquid cleaning/refreshment composition; wherein the one ormore carrier sheets can absorb at least 200 grams of the liquidcleaning/refreshment composition.
 2. A kit according to claim 1, furthercharacterized by comprising one or more Absorbent Stain ReceiverArticles and a portion of a pre-treating composition.
 3. A kit accordingto claim 2, wherein the pre-treating composition comprises butoxypropoxy propanol.
 4. A kit according to claim 1, wherein the one or morecarrier sheets are supplied in a pouch which is substantially watertight and the carrier sheets are pre-saturated with the liquidcleaning/refreshment composition.
 5. A kit according to claim 1, whereinthe liquid cleaning/refreshment composition comprises from 90% to 99.5%by weight water and from 10% to 0.5% by weight of materials selectedfrom the group consisting of perfumes, emulsifiers, surfactants,solvents, preservatives and mixtures thereof.
 6. A kit according toclaim 2, wherein the one or more Absorbent Stain Receiver Articles are abilayer TBAL structure.
 7. A kit according to claim 2, wherein the oneor more carrier sheets have an aggregate surface area of from 250 in²(1,500 cm²) to 1,000 in² (6,500 cm²).
 8. A kit according to claim 2wherein the one or more Absorbent Stain Receiver Articles comprise amaterial selected from the group consisting essentially of TBAL, LBAL,MBAL, FAM and mixtures thereof.
 9. A kit according to claim 8 whereinthe one or more Absorbent Stain Receiver Articles comprise LBAL.
 10. Akit according to claim 1 wherein the kit further comprises instructionsfor using the kit to remove preexisting wrinkles in a fabric wherein theinstructions comprise contacting the fabric with the liquidcleaning/refreshment composition in a device which provides heat andagitation.
 11. A process for dry cleaning fabrics characterized bycomprising the steps of (i) placing one or more fabrics to be cleaned ina device which provides heat and agitation; (ii) placing one or morecarrier sheets in the device wherein the carrier sheets have 200 gramsof a liquid cleaning/refreshment composition releasably absorbedtherein; (iii) heating the air within the device to at least 130° F.(55° C.); and (iv) agitating the fabrics and the carrier sheets until atleast 40% by weight of the liquid cleaning/refreshment composition fromthe carrier sheets has been evaporated and vented from the device.
 12. Aprocess according to claim 11 further characterized by comprising apre-treating process characterized by the steps of: (i) placing alocalized stained area of the fabric over and in contact with anAbsorbent Stain Receiver Article; (ii) applying enough pre-treatingcomposition to the fabric to saturate the localized stained area; (iii)allowing the composition to penetrate the stain for a predeterminedperiod of time; and (iv) removing the fabric from contact with theAbsorbent Stain Receiver Article.
 13. A process according to claim 12,wherein the pre-treating composition comprises butoxy propoxy propanol.14. A process according to claim 11, wherein the one or more carriersheets are supplied in a pouch which is substantially water tight andthe carrier sheets are pre-saturated with the liquidcleaning/refreshment composition.
 15. A process according to claim 11,wherein the liquid cleaning/refreshment composition comprises from about90% to about 99.5% by weight water and from about 10% to about 0.5% byweight of materials selected from the group consisting of perfumes,emulsifiers, surfactants, solvents, preservatives and mixtures thereof.16. A process according to claim 12, wherein the one or more AbsorbentStain Receiver Articles are a bilayer TBAL structure.
 17. A processaccording to claim 11, wherein the one or more carrier sheets have anaggregate surface area of from about 250 in² (1,500 cm²) to about 1,000in² (6,500 cm²).
 18. A process according to claim 11, wherein thetemperature of the air within the device is maintained within the rangeof from about 130° F. (55° C.) to about 200° F. (95° C.).
 19. A processaccording to claim 11, wherein the fabrics and carrier sheets areagitated from about 30 minutes to about 60 minutes and then the fabricsare removed from the device and allowed to allowed to air dry to removeany remaining liquid cleaning/refreshment composition absorbed therein.20. A process according to claim 12, wherein the predetermined period oftime is from about 3 to about 5 minutes.
 21. A process according toclaim 12, wherein the pre-treating composition and the liquidcleaning/refreshment composition are the same composition.
 22. A processaccording to claim 11, wherein the fabrics and carrier sheets areagitated in the device until about 60% by weight of the liquidcleaning/refreshment composition is evaporated and vented from thedevice, and wherein the temperature of the air within the device ismaintained within the range of from about 130° F. (55° C.) to about 200°F. (95° C.).
 23. A process according to claim 12 wherein the AbsorbentStain Receiver Article comprises a material selected from the groupconsisting essentially of TBAL, LBAL, MBAL, FAM and mixtures thereof.24. A process according to claim 23 wherein the Absorbent Stain ReceiverArticle comprises LBAL.